Jolyons Boutique Hotel

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4.4

Boutique bliss in the buzz of the bay.

Jolyons is the only boutique hotel in the heart of Cardiff. Small but distinctively formed, each of the hotel’s seven rooms are decorated individually and I think their restaurant bar Cwtch is one of the best in the city. Six years young, the hotel has been such a success the owner Jolyon Joseph is soon to open a second boutique hotel in the city.

Location

4.6

90%

Eating/drinking

4.5

90%

Leisure facilities

n/a

90%

Service

4.4

90%

Value for money

4.3

90%

Bedrooms

4.6

90%

Public areas

4.4

90%

Location

The hotel sits proudly at the rim of the basin, Cardiff’s coolest public space that’s often home to small concerts, food markets and sporting events. Restaurants, bars, water activities and great walks along the beautiful bay area are on the doorstep and Cardiff’s eye-popping arts base the Millennium Centre grins away just opposite.

Bedrooms

Each room in this pretty hideaway is designed in its own quaint way. I was most taken by the unique wooden furniture in each room – some of it is opulent, intricate and eye catching while other pieces are cool and contemporary, it depends on the theme of the room. The beds and super-soft bedding are prize features and, if you’re lucky, you might get the only room with a proud private balcony or Jacuzzi. The rooms all provide a range of tea and coffee facilities and fresh milk is only a question away. Each bathroom is spacious and aglow with sparkling white and the toiletries befit the hotel’s conscientious eco ethics.

Public areas

The lounge is decked out in the same cosy cool as the rest of the hotel, but it’s not too convenient as it doubles as a reception for new guests. The best public area is downstairs, as you’ll see here:

Eating and drinking

Cwtch, the hotel’s basement bar and restaurant is a gem in Cardiff’s crown, it’s easily my most frequented bar in town. Cold nights can be whiled away inside the intimate room (fingers crossed you get one of their stupendously sumptuous settees!) and summer evenings on the terrace are a joy. Feeling chilly after sundown? Then pull up by one of their log burners. The menu is simple but successful, the wood-baked pizzas are their finest asset in the night while their traditional Welsh breakfast reigns supreme in the morning.

Leisure facilities

None, but Cardiff’s sports village is only a 10 minute walk away if you get bitten by the exercise bug.

Service

Knowledgeable, friendly and conscientious.

Who stays there

Jolyons is popular with culture seekers visiting the Millennium Centre, couples and business travellers looking for something different in the week.